Runbaken Magneto Co
of Cheetwood Lane, Derby Street, Manchester.
The Runbaken Magneto Co of Manchester were prominent makers of oil-filled coils, magnetos and other electrical equipment.
1919 Runbaken produced a motorcycle[1]
1919 the head of the firm built a prototype scooter powered by a 0.5hp electric motor in-unit with reduction gearing and chain final-drive. A massive 6-volt storage battery fitted on the foot platform above the tubular open frame. The battery had its own special cradle and could be easily removed for recharging. It also had miniature Druid side-spring front forks, spoked wheels of 12-inch diameter, and twist-grip speed control.
The big drawback was speed, as the average was 9mph/14kmph with a cruising range of a mere 12 miles/19km on a full charge. As its potential was so limited, the venture was not taken any further
c.1929 Runbaken Motor and Electrical Accessories Ltd
1932 Name of Runbaken Motor and Electrical Accessories removed from the register[2]
c.1937 Runbaken Electrical Products Ltd (see advert)